Residents urge Toquerville to oppose Laverkin ‘critical infrastructure’ designation for Interstate Rock site

Dozens of Toquerville-area residents told the city council on May 20 they want Toquerville to oppose a proposed critical infrastructure materials protection area that would cover Interstate Rock’s mining property on the border with La Verkin.

Why it matters: Residents said the proposed designation could let the mine expand operations, including continued and deeper extraction of basalt, with potential for dust, noise, heavy truck traffic and hillside removal adjacent to homes. Many said the existing quarry has already caused dust, rockfall and noise problems and voiced alarm at plans they said could include road cuts and additional processing equipment.

Bonnie Chandler, speaking for Trailridge Estates, said Interstate Rock’s past operations already affect backyards and a neighborhood park and warned that a broader critical-infrastructure designation would reduce local control. “If they are given carte blanche, we have no power,” she said.

Other homeowners gave similar testimony, describing dust, boulders falling near backyards, early-morning equipment and what they called a lack of mitigation. “They do not water. They do not have a watering truck even on site,” one resident said.

City staff described limits to Toquerville’s direct authority: the property and hearing process sit inside La Verkin’s jurisdiction, and La Verkin will hold the public hearings that determine the designation. But council members and staff discussed practical steps Toquerville could take on behalf of affected residents.

Council direction and next steps: Council members asked staff to draft a letter from Toquerville to La Verkin’s mayor and city council outlining the city’s concerns and proposed mitigation conditions — for example, restrictions on asphalt or concrete plants, limits on hours of operation, dust-control and truck-route conditions. Ben, the city manager, said staff could prepare the draft and return it to the council for ratification at the next meeting.

Council members also discussed enforcement tools and monitoring. Staff recommended residents document dust events with photos and to submit complaints to the state division that enforces fugitive dust rules; the council also discussed installing a Toquerville-owned air-quality monitor near the neighborhood to produce objective particulate measurements. The council’s consensus was to pursue both a formal letter and exploration of an air-quality monitor and to encourage residents to attend La Verkin’s hearings and submit public comments.

No formal resolution was voted at tonight’s meeting; the council’s action was to direct staff to prepare a written letter for future council ratification and to investigate practical monitoring and complaint mechanisms.